You get what anybody gets – you get a lifetime.
― Neil Gaiman, Sandman Vol. 1
Hello my friends,
Thank you to everyone who’s reached out to let me know how they’re doing, and of course it’s so awesome to see some of you at Zoom practices. For anyone waiting on videos, that is still in the works. Currently I’m waiting on a computer repair, but don’t worry, I can use Brett’s machine for classes this week.
If you have any questions, or there’s anything I can do for you please reach out.
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.” Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Just a quick note to let you know this week’s online schedule. I hope you see you there, let me know if you have any questions or want me to save you the trouble and register you for Mon/Wed/Fri morning classes.
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.” Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Listen…
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
And fall.
― Adelaide Crapsey
As I write to you this morning, cozy on my couch with Lulu dog curled up next to me and my coziest blanket in my lap, I feel as ready for winter as I’m going to get. The storm windows are in, the new roof was completed, and I believe I’ve solved the issues I was having with recording Zoom classes.
Root River Yogis: We’re practicing Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving! A reminder to sign up for next session and to invite your friends to our free week!
Infinity Yogis: See below for Zoom links to your classes. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are separate classes you need to register for. If you’re feeling confused, reach out, I will make it easy for you!
Everyone: Access to Yoga with Elle videos and Wednesday morning Zoom classes are pay what you can, if you can. If you know people who are struggling and could use some yoga please let them know about this. For those of you who have been able to help support these projects, thank you! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make this resource better for you.
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.” Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Seek harmony, not balance. Do not cut your life into pieces and measure their worth on a scale. Instead gauge your success by how well you have loved. Let your life sing. Join your song to the Great Symphony that has played long before your birth and will go on sounding after your death.
― Valurie Kaur
This week I got a few messages thanking me for keeping Infinity yoga classes going. You are so welcome, I love you, I love our practice together. I also want to be very clear, your support is essential for keeping our Winona yoga group practicing together. Without your personal engagement I wouldn’t have the energy to keep teaching. Without your financial support I wouldn’t be able to afford to devote so much of my time to keeping this all together. You are amazing. I feel so humbled to know you and practice with you.
For those of you in Root River Yoga, I just committed to another season of yoga with you all! Soon you will receive an email from Amanda letting you know it’s time to register, please do so right away so we can all rest easy that we have the attendance we need to continue!
My Infinity classes are now on Zoom! While the in-person classes are filled, you can safely join us anytime. The Zoom links are in the schedule below. If you have any questions about how this works, reach out, I can help.
And lastly, though not certainly not least, through some editing magic on Brett’s part we managed to record last Wednesday morning’s Zoom class, so there’s a new video for you!
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.” Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.
Today I am encouraging my cells to breathe in as much of this sunshine and dreamy warmth as they can. From this place of joy I’m looking forward to how we can best stay connected this winter.
As you know I’ve added a Yoga with Elle Zoom class on Wednesdays morning. Most of you who have been attending aren’t coming to in-person classes right now so it’s been especially sweet to see your faces and feel your presence as we practice.
This week, I’m also experimenting with broadcasting through Zoom whilst teaching classes at Infinity. Hopefully by Friday this is an offering I can provide. For the time being, I’m also limiting the Infinity class to our closed group.
Of course if Infinity needs to close, Infinity classes will go completely online. While I hope this won’t be the case I feel good about knowing we’re ready to switch over any time we need too.
If you’re curious about Infinity’s protocols should one of our community need to quarantine or is diagnosed with Covid, check out Oct. 20th’s Newsletter where I share what I know. If you’re curious about Infinity’s Ionizer air purifier let me know and I will forward the information that Heather sent the teachers.
Below is this week’s schedule. As always, if you have any questions, or if there’s anything else I can do for you, get ahold of me.
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Last night, after enjoying a campy horror movie with friends via Plex and Zoom, I looked at the moon through the window and thought back to times in my life where instead of solitary meditations and virtual connection, the full moon inspired gathering around fires and live music. I’m not sad, exactly. In all honesty, my mood and energy levels were matched perfectly with this weekend’s light celebration, but I am mindful of how essential it is for us to connect with our natural world and each other.
Some of you have an invite to a Yoga with Elle contact list via Google Docs. Please add your info if you want to be in contact with the group that practices with me at Infinity Yoga. If you weren’t added and want to be, let me know. If you want to be off of the doc, let me know and I will remove you from sharing.
Look below for opportunities to practice together this week, and to find links to videos and meditations. I’m also offering a Zoom class on Wednesday morning at 7:45am. The link is below, reach out with any questions you have.
See you on the mat!
Elle
Schedule for Week of Oct. 26th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
Let me know if you want to be on the waiting list.
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
Let me know if you want to be on the waiting list.
Yoga Videos and Meditation
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
― Valarie Kaur, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
Hello Everyone!
At first glance Brett’s photo from our hike together and the quote from See No Stranger have nothing to do with each other, but reading Valarie Kaur and spending time outside have been very centering for me. I am remembering once again that joy is good for my health and love is necessary.
Speaking of how I feel joy and love, thank you to those of you who showed up for our inaugural Wednesday morning Zoom class last week! There were glitches, so it meant the world to me to be practicing with people I knew and trusted. This week should run smoother, and if you want to join us, the link is in the schedule below. If you already registered last week, you’re good to go, and you’ll get a reminder and a link in your email before class.
xoxo,
Elle
Schedule for Week of Oct. 26th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
Let me know if you want to be on the waiting list.
If you’re wondering what to contribute, consider paying the same amount you’d pay if this class were at your usual studio. As always, these classes are offered on a pay what you can, if you can basis.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
To defend oneself against a fear is simply to insure that one will, one day, be conquered by it; fears must be faced.
― James Baldwin
Hello Everyone!
This is a longer letter than usual, and it won’t all apply to you, so I’ve labeled the sections so you can easily skip over things that don’t pertain to you.
7:45 am Wednesday Morning Zoom Class Added:
For those of you following along with the struggles of returning to a Wednesday morning practice you know we’ve had several obstacles to overcome. My schedule, the weather, no indoor space available to practice together, to name a few. In the past I have gotten lukewarm responses from most of the Infinity yogis to the idea of Zoom classes, and I get it. I have mixed feelings myself! But I’m going to give it a try anyway starting this Wednesday and continuing through November – at least. For all the things that aren’t great about online classes, here are a few things that are: We have room for everyone who wants to join, we can use props, we can stay after and chat with each other, and my cats can more effectively be my hype men as I teach.
This Wednesday is the first one, and while I’ve been teaching Zoom classes through other studios for months, I haven’t set one up and run one all by myself. Please be patient with me. Also the screen says record, but there will not be a recording available of this week’s class, I’m still figuring this part out.
If you’re on my email list, a separate email will show up with the link. If you’re not and you want to join us, send me a message.
Wednesday morning classes, like all my videos, are offered on a pay-what-you-can-if-you-can basis. Use this PayPal link to do so. If you are already paying for classes with me through a different studio consider sending the equivalent of what you pay per class. If you already have another trade arrangement set up with me, it applies. If you want to come but it’s not in the budget, you are still welcome. In fact, extra love your way.
Infinity COVID Protocols and how they affect us.
At our last Infinity teacher meeting Heather shared her protocols for if and when COVID touches Infinity. Please know these are my understandings of what she told us a couple of weeks ago, so they are subject to change. Once Heather posts them please read through them.
Level 1: If any student or teacher at Infinity notifies us they have been exposed to COVID and a doctor has told them they need to go into quarantine, they stay home and for the rest of us, the mask to mat policy changes to wearing masks all the time.
In case anyone wants one, I am bringing paper masks like the one I wear because I find them much easier to wear and breath in. If you’re reaching into the bag to grab one please sanitize your hands first and make sure you just grab it by its strap.
Level 2: If any teacher or student tests positive for COVID. The studio closes for at least 2 weeks and there are Zoom classes only. Infinity cards will apply for these classes.
If it’s me who needs to be quarantined, either Gretchen Mulkey will sub and you can meet in person, or I’ll teach via Zoom. Probably a combination.
Your privacy will be protected and Infinity won’t announce who is quarantined or sick. If it’s me, I will just tell you what’s going on.
Love note from me:
Be well everyone, I love you. I know I say it all the time, but it’s because it’s true. My life is so much better with you in it! Thanks for the patience, the support, and inspiration to continue with my own practice.
xoxo
Elle
Schedule for Week of Oct. 19th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Newsletters are back, and taking my own advice, or more accurately Adrienne Maree Brown’s, I’m going to keep this easy.
While there wasn’t excitement about online practices on Wednesday, there were requests for more outdoor yoga even though it’s getting cooler. So me and anyone game are going to dress in layers, bring our blankets, and meet at Sinclair on Wednesday at 8:15am!
As always reach out if there’s anything I can do to make your practice better.
So much Love,
Elle
Schedule for Week of Oct. 12th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
It’s getting chilly, dress in layers, maybe bring a cap for your head and a blanket for under the mat… and maybe an extra one for over you during savanna.
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Wear a mask for socializing before and after class. Remember to social distance.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Hi Everyone,
I am realizing that I missed last week’s Newsletter completely, and I’m sorry about that! I have been dealing with some low energy, which means that it’s not just the newsletter, I’m just behind on life right now. Or maybe I should say more behind than usual!
It looks to be cold on Wednesday, and it seems this trend will continue, which means we’ll be switching over to an online format. I’m going to take at least this Wednesday off and aim to regroup by next week. To this end, if you are interested in Wednesday morning classes please reach out and let me know if you prefer the 7:45am time, or the 8:15am time. Thank You!
If you are craving a Yin practice, this Thursday’s Root River class will be Yin Yoga. Everyone is welcome follow the link below to sign up, get a hold of me or Amanda of Root River with any problems. You’re also welcome to stay online afterwards for a quick virtual coffee/tea socialization time.
See you on the mat!
Elle
Schedule for Week of Sept 27th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity Full, contact me if you want to be on the waiting list.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Do you already know that your existence—who and how you are—is in and of itself a contribution to the people and place around you?…And that the people around you, and the place(s), have contributions as well? Do you understand your quality of life and your survival are tied to how authentic and generous the connections are between you and the people and place you live with and in?
The weather looks promising this week, so we may get another Wednesday morning outdoor practice in. Fingers crossed!
We also have space in tomorrow’s (Monday) class as well as Friday’s Infinity practice. Reach out to me if you’d like to reserve a space.
If you’re looking for Zoom practices with me, currently I’m teaching through Root River Yoga Wednesday evening and Thursday mornings. You’ll find the link to sign up below. Let me know, if you have any questions.
I’m so grateful for you all, and am feeling the joy of our interconnectedness. Keep reaching out, as I will to you.
So much Love,
Elle
Schedule for Week of Sept 14th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
It’s getting chilly, dress in layers, maybe bring a cap for your head and a blanket for under the mat… and maybe an extra one for over you during savanna.
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Wear a mask for socializing before and after class. Remember to social distance.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
Every living thing has its own creation song, its own language, and its own language, and its own story. In order to live harmoniously with the rest of creation, we must be willing to listen to and respect all of the harmonies that are moving around us.”
― Sherri Mitchell, Sacred Instructions
Hello Everyone!
We have a new video from last Friday’s practice, and a full week of yoga to look forward to!
Root River Yogis — and anyone else who’s interested — remember this Thursday morning is our special Love Your Legs practice. You’ll want a tennis ball, body roller, or rolling pin for miofascial release. If you’re not already signed up for Root River classes, you’ll find a link to do that below.
I’m hoping the rain holds off so we can practice together on Wednesday morning at Sinclair.
If you’re planning on attending classes at Infinity Yoga, be sure to let me know and I’ll reserve your space.
Elle
Schedule for Week of Sept 7th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Please be respectful and stay 6′ away from each other to ensure everyone who comes is safe and feels comfortable.
I’ll wear a mask as we’re setting up so if you want to come ask questions, tell me things, etc., you’ll be safe.
I’m going to take my mask off to teach so you can hear me and we can record sound, but I will stay on my mat and not walk around making adjustments.
If you are nervous to be around folks but really want to come, please come, wear a mask and set up away from folks. We will lovingly stay away and give you space.
Regular outdoor considerations to think of: You may want sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, and a towel if it’s dewy.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
― Audre Lorde
Hello Everyone!
It was so fun practicing with you Wednesday, and I look forward to another outdoor class on Friday! Remember, starting next week, the 11th, Friday classes move to Infinity and will be starting at 7:45am. I’m taking registration for them now, just message me if you want to come. Wednesday classes will continue at Sinclair as long as the weather holds.
I am teaching on Labor Day this year, and there’s still room. Let me know if you want to join us!
I am teaching a special Love Your Legs Yoga class this Thursday over Zoom through Root River Yoga. If you’re a runner, biker, or just have sore knees, you should check it out! Links to register for Root River classes below.
You’ll also find a new video from this week’s Sinclair practice below.
So much love and gratitude to you all!
Elle
Schedule for Week of Sept 7th
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Sept 4th is our last Friday outside, after that this class moves to 7:45am at Infinity Yoga Studio.
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Please be respectful and stay 6′ away from each other to ensure everyone who comes is safe and feels comfortable.
I’ll wear a mask as we’re setting up so if you want to come ask questions, tell me things, etc., you’ll be safe.
I’m going to take my mask off to teach so you can hear me and we can record sound, but I will stay on my mat and not walk around making adjustments.
If you are nervous to be around folks but really want to come, please come, wear a mask and set up away from folks. We will lovingly stay away and give you space.
Regular outdoor considerations to think of: You may want sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, and a towel if it’s dewy.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
Earth, my likeness,
Though you look so impassive, ample and spheric there,
I now suspect that is not all;
I now suspect there is something fierce in you eligible to burst forth…
― Walt Whitman
Hello Everyone!
I’ve really been feeling the earth energy this week and enjoying our practices outside so much! We have continued to record them even though unlike the videos we record at home where I’m practicing right along with you and leading I am switching back and forth between demoing and sitting up and cuing so even the students furthest away can hear me. So if you make use of them either now or over the winter—when we are hungry for some sun and green grass—just know this will be the case.
I’ve also included a recorded version of the Hug the Earth meditation I sometimes lead at the end of class. Even though it’s cued as if you’re laying on the earth belly down, I promise the images work no matter how your body is supported.
No word yet on when online payment or online registration will be set up. For September, you can continue to register with me and pay by calling Infinity or visiting their office. If you know which classes you want to attend and it’s less stressful to set it up in advance, you can do so any time. If it’s less stressful for you to think one week at a time, then that’s ok too. If classes fill up, I’ll have waiting lists in case someone lets me know they can’t make it.
So much love and gratitude to you all!
Elle
Schedule for Week of August 24th.
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity Full
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
8:15am Yoga with Friends – Sinclair Park
*Sept 11th we move back to Infinity and begin at 7:45am.
Yoga Videos and Meditation
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Sept 4th is our last Friday outside, after that this class moves to 7:45am at Infinity Yoga Studio.
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Please be respectful and stay 6′ away from each other to ensure everyone who comes is safe and feels comfortable.
I’ll wear a mask as we’re setting up so if you want to come ask questions, tell me things, etc., you’ll be safe.
I’m going to take my mask off to teach so you can hear me and we can record sound, but I will stay on my mat and not walk around making adjustments.
If you are nervous to be around folks but really want to come, please come, wear a mask and set up away from folks. We will lovingly stay away and give you space.
Regular outdoor considerations to think of: You may want sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, and a towel if it’s dewy.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
“if
the ocean
can calm itself,
so can you.
we
are both
salt water
mixed with
air.”
― Nayyirah Waheed
Hello Everyone!
I love the ocean as a metaphor for our emotional selves, the power along with the mysterious depths. I think the point isn’t to avoid the storms but rather to see (sea) them within a larger context, even when the surface is full of terrifying waves our depths are calm.
The last couple of weeks I’ve been working with an ocean meditation. The one I recorded for you is only 8 minutes, hopefully long enough to be effective and short enough to be useful on a regular basis. You’ll notice that under the player there’s a link to download an MP3 file so you can take it with you. We’ve also moved the Mindful Stream of Consciousness meditation to the new site and it also has a link for you to download.
If you’re interested in virtually exploring the ocean and her depths, here’s a site I love! As you scroll down you get to learn about the life at different depths. Taking the time to scroll all the way down is a meditation itself.
Fridays at Infinity have been moved to 7:45am to allow time for cleaning and for the air to clear. Thanks to everyone for being flexible — especially Lynn’s class who is moving to 10:30am. A special thanks to Heather for being willing to open the conversation back up and find a solution that served us all.
Lastly, you’ll find last Friday’s practice below.
So much love and gratitude to you all!
Elle
Schedule for Week of August 17th.
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
8:15am Yoga with Friends – Sinclair Park
*Sept 11th we move back to Infinity and begin at 7:45am.
Yoga Videos and Meditation
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
Sept 4th is our last Friday outside, after that this class moves to 7:45am at Infinity Yoga Studio.
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Please be respectful and stay 6′ away from each other to ensure everyone who comes is safe and feels comfortable.
I’ll wear a mask as we’re setting up so if you want to come ask questions, tell me things, etc., you’ll be safe.
I’m going to take my mask off to teach so you can hear me and we can record sound, but I will stay on my mat and not walk around making adjustments.
If you are nervous to be around folks but really want to come, please come, wear a mask and set up away from folks. We will lovingly stay away and give you space.
Regular outdoor considerations to think of: You may want sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, and a towel if it’s dewy.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
I found out tonight that Friday morning yoga classes aren’t possible for us at Infinity this fall due to a scheduling conflict. I think Wednesday would work for Infinity but I also get it’s not ideal to have a class twice a week with the times so close together. And some of you are hoping for 3 classes a week.
I don’t know what the answer is for us right now, but I’m looking into our options and promise to keep you informed. Meanwhile if you have thoughts or suggestions please reach out! I’m feeling pretty bummed about this, so I’m also accepting and giving cyber hugs. The young people tell me this is how you do that: ((( ))).
This week, we have our Monday class at Infinity and Friday class at Sinclair. I also have a lovely meditation I’ll be sharing mid-week. Last Friday’s Sinclair practice is below, enjoy!
xoxo
Elle
Schedule for Week of August 10th.
Monday
8:15 am All Levels – Infinity
You need a confirmation from me that you are registered. Spaces are limited.
As always, these are shared with you under the category “pay what you can, if you can.”
Here’s the link to PayPal your support: https://www.paypal.me/ElleNewman11
If you have trouble hearing please set up close (but still 6 ft away) to me.
Please be respectful and stay 6′ away from each other to ensure everyone who comes is safe and feels comfortable.
I’ll wear a mask as we’re setting up so if you want to come ask questions, tell me things, etc., you’ll be safe.
I’m going to take my mask off to teach so you can hear me and we can record sound, but I will stay on my mat and not walk around making adjustments.
If you are nervous to be around folks but really want to come, please come, wear a mask and set up away from folks. We will lovingly stay away and give you space.
Regular outdoor considerations to think of: You may want sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, and a towel if it’s dewy.
Bring your mat and a block or a blanket if you have them.
Monday
Root River Yoga on Zoom
Monday
